Ignite Seattle 19

Last week the blog was a little thin. I was so busy, I was only able to get one post up. It wasn’t that I had a ton to do, or that I didn’t feel like writing. It’s because I was getting ready to speak at Ignite Seattle.

The Ignite Conference series is built around the following premise: “Enlighten us, but make it quick.” Speakers have 5 minutes and 20 slides (which auto-advance every 15 seconds) to tell a story. They can talk about virtually anything.

Last week’s presenters tackled a variety of topics. One man told the story of how he lost half his body weight. Another woman, who’d been on dates with more than 100 men, gave some tips on what you should and shouldn’t do when looking for love online (she was brilliant, and described some of her experiences as “as shit show”, a phrase which Rand and I have cheerfully adopted).

I was up last. I talked about Steve, and how I decided to share the news of him online. It was my first public speaking engagement (unless you count the time we were on Oprah.) It was the first time ever that I was on stage while Rand was in the audience.

After it was over, he tackled me with a hug, and told me how proud he was of me.

The whole experience was wonderful and nerve-wracking and worthwhile. I’ve solemnly sworn to never, ever do it again. We’ll see how long my resolve lasts.

You can watch the video of my presentation online, if you want. I’ve been told by several readers that my voice is higher pitched than they thought it would be (a by-product of my nerves, I assure you. I am normally not so squeaky).

It’s not the best presentation in the world, but I did my best. And Rand liked it. Really, I don’t think I could ask for more than that.